How We Chose
Our selection process focused on tyres designed for US light trucks and SUVs that blend highway comfort with all-terrain capability. We evaluated each model for:
- Safety: Reliable braking, predictable handling, and strong wet grip.
- Wet Grip & Hydroplaning Resistance: Essential for unpredictable weather.
- All-Terrain Versatility: Performance on gravel, dirt, and light off-road use.
- Comfort & Noise: Low cabin noise and smooth ride at highway speeds.
- Durability & Economy: Long tread life, puncture resistance, and good value.
- US Context: We referenced UTQG treadwear ratings and, where available, US-specific test results.
1. Michelin LTX A/T2 — All-Terrain Longevity Leader
Why it stands out
The Michelin LTX A/T2 is renowned for its superb tread life, stable highway performance, and reliable traction on dirt and gravel. Its compound and tread design focus on resisting chips and tears, suiting drivers who mix highway miles with occasional off-road adventures.
Best for
- Drivers who value tread life and comfort above all
- Light trucks and SUVs used for towing or daily commuting
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Exceptional durability, quiet ride
- Trade-offs: Not the most aggressive for deep mud or snow
2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Off-Road Icon
Why it stands out
With its aggressive tread and proven off-road reputation, the KO2 is a staple among off-road enthusiasts—but it also maintains good road manners. Its sidewall strength and snow performance (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated) make it a versatile choice year-round.
Best for
- Drivers who want real off-road traction without sacrificing on-road safety
- Adventurers tackling dirt, rocks, and snow
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, severe snow rated
- Popular sizes: 285/70R17, 265/75R16
- Strengths: Excellent off-road and snow grip
- Trade-offs: Slightly more road noise and firmer ride
3. Falken WildPeak A/T3W — Wet & Winter Specialist
Why it stands out
The WildPeak A/T3W excels in wet and snowy conditions, earning the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. Its deep tread and silica compound offer strong hydroplaning resistance and extended tread life, making it ideal for variable climates.
Best for
- Drivers facing frequent rain or snow
- Light trucks and SUVs in northern or mountainous regions
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, severe snow rated
- Popular sizes: 275/55R20, 265/70R17
- Strengths: Wet/snow grip, comfort, value
- Trade-offs: Slightly softer tread may wear faster under heavy towing
4. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar — Balanced Performer
Why it stands out
Featuring Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls, this Goodyear model offers toughness for light off-roading while maintaining a smooth, quiet ride on pavement. Its tread design balances all-terrain grip with low rolling resistance for efficiency.
Best for
- Drivers needing a tough tyre for work and play
- Pickup trucks and SUVs used on mixed surfaces
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/65R18, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Sidewall durability, balanced performance
- Trade-offs: Not as aggressive in deep mud as some rivals
5. Continental TerrainContact A/T — Highway Comfort Champion
Why it stands out
Continental’s TerrainContact A/T offers a refined highway ride and low noise levels while still providing the all-terrain capability needed for mild off-roading. Its tread compound aids wet grip and long treadwear.
Best for
- Frequent highway drivers who want some off-road ability
- Family SUVs and daily-use pickups
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/55R20
- Strengths: Comfort, quietness, tread life
- Trade-offs: Limited deep mud traction
6. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S — Everyday Versatility
Why it stands out
The Discoverer AT3 4S brings balanced all-season performance, reliable wet/snow grip, and a comfortable ride. It is engineered for US roads and weather, with a silica-rich compound that handles changing conditions well.
Best for
- Drivers wanting a value-packed, versatile tyre
- Light trucks and crossovers used for commuting and light off-roading
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, severe snow rated
- Popular sizes: 265/65R17, 275/60R18
- Strengths: Value, all-weather traction
- Trade-offs: Not for extreme off-road use
7. Toyo Open Country A/T III — All-Condition Traction
Why it stands out
This Toyo model is known for its sharp steering feedback and strong traction in diverse conditions. The tread delivers impressive stability on the highway with good self-cleaning for dirt and gravel trails.
Best for
- Drivers seeking a confident highway ride and capable off-road traction
- Pickups and SUVs crossing between city, highway, and rural roads
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 275/65R18, 265/70R17
- Strengths: Traction on mixed surfaces, responsive handling
- Trade-offs: Slightly more tread noise at highway speed
8. General Grabber APT — Budget-Friendly Practicality
Why it stands out
The Grabber APT delivers solid all-around performance at a wallet-friendly price. It is designed for daily driving with occasional forays onto gravel and dirt, offering good wet grip and a comfortable ride.
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers who want reliable all-terrain ability
- Light trucks and crossovers used primarily on-road
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R16, 245/75R17
- Strengths: Value, wet grip, comfort
- Trade-offs: Less suitable for rugged off-road use
9. Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 — All-Weather Balance
Why it stands out
Yokohama’s Geolandar A/T G015 earns high marks for its all-weather performance and smooth highway ride. Its tread design is engineered for traction in rain and light snow while still handling gravel and dirt confidently.
Best for
- Drivers seeking all-season reliability and comfort
- Family SUVs and crossovers in mixed climates
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, severe snow rated
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/65R18
- Strengths: Wet/snow traction, quietness
- Trade-offs: Not the most aggressive off-road
10. Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 — Value and Durability
Why it stands out
The Dynapro AT2 RF11 offers robust construction and even treadwear at a competitive price. It’s engineered for American roads, balancing highway stability with enough off-road bite for camping trips or work sites.
Best for
- Drivers who prioritize longevity and cost-effectiveness
- Light trucks and SUVs used for both work and leisure
Key notes
- Season/Type: All-terrain, all-season
- Popular sizes: 265/70R17, 275/60R20
- Strengths: Durability, even wear, price
- Trade-offs: Less refined ride than premium competitors
Buying Tips
- Fitment: Always match the tyre size, speed, and load index to your vehicle’s specifications. Consult your owner’s manual or a trusted retailer.
- Rotations: Rotate tyres every 5,000–7,500 miles to ensure even wear, especially with all-terrain patterns.
- Storage: If using seasonal sets, store tyres in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals.
- Alignment: Have your alignment checked when fitting new tyres to maximize lifespan and even performance.
- UTQG Ratings: Use treadwear and traction grades as a guide, but remember that real-world driving varies.
Verdict
Choosing the right highway all-terrain tyre depends on your driving habits and priorities. If you log serious highway miles and want maximum comfort and tread life, the Michelin LTX A/T2 and Continental TerrainContact A/T are top picks. For drivers who see more off-road action or live in snowy regions, the BFGoodrich KO2 and Falken WildPeak A/T3W deliver extra traction and durability. Value-focused buyers will find strong performance from General Grabber APT and Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11. Always balance your needs—comfort, traction, longevity—and consult a tyre professional for the best fit for your truck or SUV.
How do the Michelin LTX A/T2 and BFGoodrich KO2 compare when it comes to tread life for someone who mainly does highway driving but wants to do occasional camping trips off-road?
For mostly highway driving, the Michelin LTX A/T2 generally offers longer tread life and a quieter ride compared to the BFGoodrich KO2. The KO2 is more rugged and excels in tougher off-road conditions, but its tread may wear a bit faster on highways. For occasional off-road use with primarily highway miles, the LTX A/T2 is likely to last longer.
Did any of the all-terrain tires you reviewed stand out specifically for fuel efficiency, or do they all have about the same impact on gas mileage?
Among the all-terrain tires reviewed, the Michelin LTX A/T2 and the Continental TerrainContact A/T were noted for better fuel efficiency compared to others. They feature lower rolling resistance, which can help maintain gas mileage closer to what you’d get with standard highway tires. Most other options may slightly reduce fuel efficiency due to their more aggressive tread designs.
Is there a noticeable difference in road noise between the all-terrain tyres listed, especially for daily commuting?
Yes, there can be noticeable differences in road noise between all-terrain tyres, even among those listed in the article. Generally, tyres with more aggressive tread patterns tend to be slightly louder on paved roads. If daily commuting comfort is a priority, look for models specifically noted for quieter performance or those designed to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort.
For drivers who face both frequent rain and occasional snow, do you recommend prioritizing the KO2’s Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating over the LTX A/T2’s quieter ride?
If you regularly deal with rain and occasional snow, the KO2’s Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating is a strong advantage because it means better traction and safety in winter conditions. While the LTX A/T2 is quieter, the KO2’s winter certification is generally more important for challenging weather.
Are there any options in your top 10 that are particularly budget-friendly without sacrificing too much in safety or wet grip?
Yes, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S are among the more budget-friendly options in the top 10. Both provide reliable wet grip and safety without a high price tag, making them solid choices for value-conscious drivers.
You mention UTQG treadwear ratings were considered, but I know not all all-terrain tires have them. How did that impact your ranking, especially for models like the KO2?
You’re correct—some all-terrain tires, including the BFGoodrich KO2, don’t display a UTQG treadwear rating due to their intended uses and regulations. For these models, we relied more on real-world durability feedback, manufacturer data, and expert reviews. The absence of a UTQG rating didn’t penalize them; instead, we considered alternative durability indicators to ensure a fair comparison.
For light truck owners who do a lot of towing in addition to some off-roading, how important should sidewall strength be compared to tread life?
For light truck owners who tow heavy loads and occasionally go off-road, sidewall strength is very important. Strong sidewalls help support extra weight and protect against punctures from rocks or debris. While tread life matters for long-term value, prioritize sidewall strength if towing and off-road durability are key needs.
Do you have any recommendations from this list for light trucks that spend most of their time on highways but occasionally haul heavy loads on gravel roads?
For light trucks mostly on highways but sometimes hauling heavy loads on gravel, the Michelin LTX A/T2 and Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure are two strong choices from the list. Both offer highway comfort, durability, and traction for occasional off-road or gravel use, making them versatile for your needs.
Are there any noticeable differences in tread life between the top picks when mostly used for daily commuting with occasional gravel road detours?
Yes, tread life can vary among the top all-terrain tyre picks, especially with mostly on-road commuting. Generally, tyres with more aggressive tread (like the BFGoodrich KO2) may wear slightly faster on pavement than those optimized for highway use (like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S). For daily commuting with only occasional gravel roads, a tyre designed for longer tread life and quiet highway performance may be the better choice.
We do a mix of towing and occasional off-roading with our SUV. Are there other tyres on your list that balance comfort and off-road capability as well as the Michelin LTX A/T2?
Absolutely, a few other tyres on our list offer a similar balance of comfort and off-road capability as the Michelin LTX A/T2. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W are both known for their smooth highway ride, strong towing performance, and reliable traction off-road. Either would be worth considering alongside the Michelin.